AL HB489

Alabama Department of Mental Health shall establish and operate a statewide toll-free Mental Health Crisis Hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

Hotline operators shall conduct comprehensive evidence-based mental health screenings, perform risk assessments for suicide or homicide likelihood, connect callers to emergency response systems when appropriate, refer callers for ongoing care, and follow up to determine if needs were met.

Department shall collect and maintain information on residential, inpatient, outpatient mental health programs, hospitals, and emergency rooms in callers' areas, including payment acceptance (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance) and specialized services for pregnant women, gender-specific needs, parents of children with mental health disorders, and grief support.

Department shall provide training for hotline staff to ensure they can provide sufficient information and respond appropriately to callers in crisis, maintain up-to-date and accurate information, and disseminate hotline information to the public through direct and organizational channels.

The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.